Final answer:
Ann has been diagnosed with glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure due to the impaired circulation of eye fluid. This condition can lead to optic nerve damage and potential blindness if not managed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition that Ann has been diagnosed with is glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition where the fluid pressure inside the eyes, known as intraocular pressure, increases due to improper drainage of fluid in the eye. When the fluid, also known as aqueous humor, cannot circulate properly, it results in a buildup of pressure. This condition is more common in people over the age of 40 and can lead to permanent damage to the optic nerve if left untreated, potentially causing blindness.
It is distinguished from the other options provided because cataracts involve the clouding of the lens, macular degeneration involves the death of cells in the macula, and retinopathy involves damage to the retinal blood vessels. The intraocular pressure is typically measured by applying a force to the anesthetized eye and observing the eye's response to indentation.